In the
centre of our galaxy lies an X-ray source, the
intensity of which can fluctuate wildly by the
minute. Is this radiation emitted from matter that is
falling into a super-massive black
hole?

The
galaxy NGC 5128 is located 11 million light years
from earth. What is the source of the 10,000
light-year-long jet that emanates from the centre of
the galaxy?

A
supernova explosion observed in 1054 AD created a
neutron star in the Crab nebula. It has a diameter of
only 20-30 km, has about the same mass as the sun and
rotates 30 times per second! Hot gas is pulled
towards the neutron star and emits
X-rays.

Photo: NASA/CXC/SAO

The
remnants of the supernova that Tycho Brahe observed
in 1572 – still a scorching 10 million °C
hot.

Eta
Carinae is a massive and unstable star with strong
stellar winds. Perhaps a future
supernova?